July 31, 2025

Belonging vs Bonding: Finding Connection in a Divided World

47 minutes

In this powerful episode, Greg Morley—global DEI leader and author of Bond: Belonging and the Keys to Inclusion & Connection—joins Andy to explore what it really takes to foster belonging in the workplace. Together they unpack:

The difference between belonging (how we feel) and bonding (what we do).

Why inclusion requires intentional action, not just good vibes or policies.

How Greg’s global experience across 80+ countries shaped his belief in curiosity as a leadership superpower.

What happens when we honour intent, not just punish mistakes.

And why real inclusion lives in the middle ground—not the extremes.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in the performative DEI conversation or worried about “saying the wrong thing,” this is a must-listen. Practical, warm, and full of insight.

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Key Takeaways

Belonging is a feeling; bonding is a choice. One makes people feel included. The other drives commitment and performance.

Inclusion is built through micro-behaviours. It’s not a programme—it’s what leaders say and do every day, especially when no one’s watching.

Curiosity is an underrated superpower. It builds bridges, sparks self-worth, and disarms fear—especially in tough conversations.

We must reclaim the middle ground. Honouring good intent while correcting mistakes makes inclusion sustainable—not performative or punitive.

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Key Moments

The key moments in this episode are:

0:00:10 – Why Inclusion Feels Under Attack in 2025

0:04:14 – Greg Morley’s Global DEI Journey

0:13:09 – The Critical Difference Between Belonging and Bonding

0:16:19 – Why Inclusion Isn’t a Perk—It’s a Performance Strategy

0:19:10 – Curiosity, Culture, and Conversations That Matter

0:30:32 – Making Mistakes, Owning Them, and Moving On

0:36:05 – Allyship, Advocacy, and Action in the Workplace

0:38:01 – Why DEI’s Middle Ground Is Where Progress Lives

0:42:32 – Greg’s 3 Sticky Notes on Inclusive Leadership

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Get a free consultation with Andy here

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Useful Links

Follow Greg Morley on LinkedIn here

Find Greg's website here

Get the book: BOND here

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Full Episode Transcript

Get the full transcript of the episode here

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By Andy Goram

1010 ratings

July 31, 2025

Belonging vs Bonding: Finding Connection in a Divided World

47 minutes

The difference between belonging (how we feel) and bonding (what we do).

Why inclusion requires intentional action, not just good vibes or policies.

How Greg’s global experience across 80+ countries shaped his belief in curiosity as a leadership superpower.

What happens when we honour intent, not just punish mistakes.

And why real inclusion lives in the middle ground—not the extremes.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in the performative DEI conversation or worried about “saying the wrong thing,” this is a must-listen. Practical, warm, and full of insight.

----more----

Key Takeaways

Belonging is a feeling; bonding is a choice. One makes people feel included. The other drives commitment and performance.

Inclusion is built through micro-behaviours. It’s not a programme—it’s what leaders say and do every day, especially when no one’s watching.

Curiosity is an underrated superpower. It builds bridges, sparks self-worth, and disarms fear—especially in tough conversations.

We must reclaim the middle ground. Honouring good intent while correcting mistakes makes inclusion sustainable—not performative or punitive.

----more----

Key Moments

The key moments in this episode are:

0:00:10 – Why Inclusion Feels Under Attack in 2025

0:04:14 – Greg Morley’s Global DEI Journey

0:13:09 – The Critical Difference Between Belonging and Bonding